WO2014066029A1 - Système d'éclairage intérieur - Google Patents

Système d'éclairage intérieur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014066029A1
WO2014066029A1 PCT/US2013/063782 US2013063782W WO2014066029A1 WO 2014066029 A1 WO2014066029 A1 WO 2014066029A1 US 2013063782 W US2013063782 W US 2013063782W WO 2014066029 A1 WO2014066029 A1 WO 2014066029A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
light module
nipple
rotatable structure
hollow protrusion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/063782
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joel R. Lee
Umesh Mishra
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc. filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Publication of WO2014066029A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014066029A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/02—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of hand grips or straps
    • B60N3/023—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of hand grips or straps movable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/20—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
    • B60Q3/267—Door handles; Hand grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/50—Mounting arrangements
    • B60Q3/51—Mounting arrangements for mounting lighting devices onto vehicle interior, e.g. onto ceiling or floor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/60—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects
    • B60Q3/62—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides
    • B60Q3/64—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides for a single lighting device

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to illumination systems, and more particularly, to illumination systems which may be incorporated into functional components used in
  • aspects of the present disclosure may find particular application in pivoting or rotatable components such as rotatable handles and the like used in automotive interiors.
  • other functional components and environments of use are likewise possible.
  • a low profile passenger assist handle as may be present generally above doors at the roofline of automotive interiors.
  • Such low profile handles are often housed in shallow wells of plastic or the like to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to facilitate hand access by a user.
  • Passenger assist handles are installed in automobiles to provide a stabilizing grip location for vehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle or while moving about in the vehicle.
  • Assist handles are known in the forms of loops or bars that can be grasped by the individuals.
  • the handle comprises a substantially rigid bar having legs at the ends thereof, with the legs being pivotally connected to mounting blocks attached to the frame, door posts or other interior structures of the vehicle.
  • the handle can be free swinging from the mounting blocks or can be provided with a spring urging the handle toward a closed, stowed position. It is known to use dampers to control the movement of the handle that results from the force applied by the spring.
  • the present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing an illumination system in which a light source is in operative communication with a solid state light dispersion element integrated into a handle or other moveable component being illuminated. During operation, the light dispersion element is illuminated through localized operative projection of a light beam from the light source to the dispersion element. The dispersion element accepts the localized light beam and disperses the light along an extended exposed surface which may be remote from the light source element.
  • the present disclosure provides rotatable structure adapted to be illuminated along a portion of its surface.
  • the rotatable structure includes at least one hinge assembly pivotally connected at a position on the rotatable structure.
  • the hinge assembly includes a pair of mounting supports adapted to lockingly engage opposing surfaces of the rotatable structure.
  • a light module is disposed in non-rotating relation to the mounting supports at a position between the mounting supports.
  • the light module includes a hollow interior adapted to receive and retain a light engine.
  • the light module includes an outlet opening axially aligned with a hollow protrusion extending away from a first one of the mounting supports such that a light beam emitted by the light engine travels through the outlet opening and through an exit opening in the hollow protrusion projecting away from the light module.
  • a solid state light dispersion element is secured within the rotatable structure and is visible along a surface of the rotatable structure.
  • a proximal end of the light dispersion element is disposed adjacent to the opening in the hollow protrusion adapted for localized collection of the light beam and illumination of the light dispersion element from the proximal end along the length of the light dispersion element.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assist grip handle assembly in a raised or stowed position incorporating an exemplary illumination system consistent with the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1, but illustrating the handle in the down or use position;
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a first exploded, perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 1- 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but from a different perspective
  • FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5 with the handle assembly in a raised or stowed position;
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 11 is a first exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting of a light module in the hinge assembly of the handle shown in FIGS. 1-5;
  • FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 from a different perspective illustrating the mounting of a light module in the hinge assembly of the handle shown in FIGS. 1-5;
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the handle assembly taken generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 7 illustrating the position of the light dispersing element; and [0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly incorporating an integral light module.
  • an exemplary handle assembly 20 consistent with the present disclosure includes a handle 22 of suitable shape and contour for grasping by vehicle occupants while entering a vehicle, exiting a vehicle or while moving about within the vehicle.
  • the handle 22 defines first leg 24 and a second leg 25 at opposite ends thereof.
  • each of the legs 24, 25 includes a cavity 26, 27 respectively, formed therein.
  • a first hinge assembly 28 is operatively connected to the handle 22, at the cavity 26 on the first leg 24.
  • a second hinge assembly 29 is operatively connected to the handle 22, at the cavity 27 on the second leg 25.
  • the hinge assemblies 28, 29 include mounting bases 30, 31 respectively, configured for attachment to the handle 22 within corresponding cavities 26, 27, respectively.
  • the mounting bases 30, 31 are used for attachment to the interior of a handle well or other trim component (not shown) in a manner as will be well known to those of skill in the art.
  • the first hinge assembly 28 may be associated with biasing spring assembly 32 as will be described further hereinafter.
  • the spring assembly 28 acts to bias the handle 22 towards the retracted, stowed position.
  • the handle is accessed, it will automatically return to the stowed position shown in FIG. 1.
  • each of the mounting bases 30, 31 includes a pair of outwardly extending, spaced apart, flexible mounting tabs 34 that are used to secure the corresponding hinge assembly to a mating opening in the vehicle interior.
  • the mounting tabs 34 permit the hinge assemblies to be snap fit to the mating opening in the vehicle by deflecting inwardly as the tabs pass through the opening.
  • each of the tabs 34 defines a tapered end 36 having an angular face 38 to facilitate the insertion of tabs 34 into the mating opening.
  • Each of the tabs also defines an undercut 40 on the outside at the base of angular face 38, such that undercut 40 defines a mounting recess to assist in holding and securing tabs 34 within a mating opening (not shown).
  • an edge of structure defining an opening in which mounting tabs 34 will be installed can seat against undercut 40 to hinder inward and outward movement relative to the opening after installation is completed.
  • a hole or aperture is provided in mounting base 30 between the base ends of mounting tabs 34 for inserting a pin 42 projecting away from a cavity cover 44 adapted for disposition in covering relation to the corresponding cavity in the handle 22.
  • the mounting bases 30, 31 of the hinge assemblies 28, 29 each further include a pair of opposed mounting ears 50 defining mounting supports used to pivotally connect the mounting bases to the handle 22.
  • the mounting ears 50 are spaced apart for receipt therebetween of a spring barrel 52 and related torsion spring 54 to define the spring assembly 32 as previously referenced.
  • each mounting ear 50 includes an outwardly extending hollow boss element 56.
  • the mounting ears 50 may be snap fit into opposing slot features at the interior of the corresponding cavities 26, 27 in the handle 22.
  • Lead in tracks 58 in the form of ramps may be provided to allow for guided insertion of the boss elements 56 into the opposing slot features.
  • the spring assembly includes a spring barrel 52 (also referred to as a canister) and a helical torsion spring 54.
  • the torsion spring 54 is contained within the spring barrel 52 with a first end segment of the spring seated against the spring barrel 52, such as against a ledge or shelf in the barrel 52, to limit relative rotation between the barrel 52 and the spring 54.
  • a second end segment of the spring 54 projects outwardly from the barrel 52 through a slot and engages a ledge or other contact surface in the handle 22 to thereby impart spring force against a position of handle 22 relative to the fixed position of the barrel 52 between mounting ears 50.
  • the spring 54 biases the handle 22 toward the stowed position.
  • FIGS. 8-10 it may be seen that in the illustrated exemplary construction the boss elements 56 on each side of the hinge assemblies 28, 29 are retained appositionally in the slot features 64 on the handle 22.
  • FIG. 9 is directed specifically to the second hinge assembly 29, it will be understood that the same mounting arrangement may be used with respect to the first hinge assembly 28 as well.
  • a substantially disc-shaped light module 66 may be inserted at a position inboard to one of the mounting ears 50 of the second hinge assembly 29.
  • the light module includes a hollow extended nipple feature 68 projecting away from one face and a raised detent feature 69 projecting away from an opposing face.
  • the light module is substantially hollow at its interior and includes a perimeter acceptance slot 70 for receipt of a light emitting element as will be described hereinafter.
  • the extended nipple feature 68 of the light module 66 may be inserted in mating relation into the interior of the inboard boss element 56 of the hinge assembly 29.
  • a tunnel 72 extending axially along the length of the nipple feature 68 is disposed in substantially coaxial relation to the hollow interior of the boss element. Accordingly, a proximal end of the tunnel 72 opens into the interior of the light module 66 and a distal end of the tunnel 72 opens into the interior of the surrounding hollow boss element 56.
  • light may pass from the interior of the light module, through the tunnel 72 and then exit through a distal axial boss opening 73.
  • the nipple feature 68 is not required to extend the full length of the boss element 56. However, it may extend the full length if desired.
  • the outer diameter of the extended nipple feature 68 substantially matches the inner diameter of the surrounding boss element 56 thereby promoting the maintenance of a substantially coaxial relationship during use.
  • the light module 66 may be held against inadvertent axial rotation by a rib 74 (FIG. 12) which is seated in an alignment slot 75 (FIG. 11).
  • a rib 74 FIG. 12
  • an alignment slot 75 FIG. 11
  • the light module 66 will be blocked from rotation by the engagement between the rib 74 and the alignment slot 75 on the hinge assembly 29. That is, since the hinge assembly is held in a static condition, the light module 66 is also held in a static condition.
  • the raised detent 69 on the face of the light module projecting outboard may be seated in nesting relation in a depression at the inboard end of a damper 76 such as a rotary damper of the like.
  • a damper 76 such as a rotary damper of the like.
  • the body of the damper 76 remains stationary but typically includes internal rotating vanes (not shown) which are operatively connected to the handle 22. As the handle 22 is rotated, a corresponding rotation is applied to the vanes. The vanes are typically immersed in a viscous oil or other damping fluid such that the rate of handle rotation is slowed, but rotation is not prevented.
  • any form of damper may be used as may be desired.
  • a light engine 80 such as an LED or the like may be inserted into the light module 66 through the perimeter acceptance slot 70 and snapped into place.
  • engagement of angled lateral sides 82 of the light engine with raised circumferential detent features 84 projecting away from the interior circumferential perimeter of the light module ensure proper axial location of the light engine 80 (FIG. 10).
  • a tight fit is promoted by raised axial detent features 86 projecting away from an interior face of the light module 66 and adapted to press against a surface of the light engine to maintain a tight fit.
  • Power may be supplied through wires 88 which may be located in position by harness features 90, 92 .
  • other mounting arrangements may likewise be used.
  • the light engine 80 is held securely in the light module 66, which is blocked from rotation by the mounting base, the light engine itself is likewise blocked from rotation.
  • the light engine 80 may emit a beam of light which is channeled along the tunnel 72 and the coaxial boss element 56 for exit at the axial boss opening 73.
  • a proximal end of an elongated illuminating light dispersion element 95 may be positioned in adjacent opposing relation to the light output position for collection of the light emission.
  • the light dispersion element 95 carries the light collected from the light engine 80 along its length such that the light dispersion element is illuminated and externally visible. This illumination may result in emission of a relatively low intensity light to adjacent surfaces. As shown in FIG.
  • the light dispersion element 95 may be shaped to substantially conform to the interior edge profile of the handle 22.
  • a proximal segment 96 of the light dispersion element 95 may be substantially axially aligned with the tunnel 72 to facilitate efficient light collection.
  • the light dispersion element "F" is illustrated as being located on the inner portion of the handle, such an element may likewise be disposed along the outer portion as well if desired.
  • the light dispersion element 95 may be a separate component from the exterior material of the handle 22 formed from moldable translucent polymeric materials such as translucent polycarbonate or the like.
  • the light dispersion element 95 may be a second shot or overmolded component if desired such that it forms a substantially unitary structure with the remainder of the handle 22.
  • an illumination system in accordance with the present disclosure may be useful in providing a desired level of illumination in low light conditions.
  • the light engine 80 may be linked to the instrument panel lighting controls such that illumination takes place in conjunction with instrument panel illumination under darkened conditions while remaining inactive in bright light.
  • an illumination system in accordance with the present disclosure may be used as part of a system providing a vehicle lighting theme or so called "mood" lighting which is gaining popularity.
  • it may be desirable to emit light only at defined, controlled positions.
  • masking components which cover portions of the light dispersion element 95 may be pressed or snapped into the handle 22. Such masking components may facilitate the controlled bending of the light dispersion element 95 in extreme styling situations, while also masking light emission in zones where no illumination is desired.
  • the light module 66 may be molded integrally with the mounting base rather than being a separate component.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment for a mounting base 131 wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series.
  • the inboard mounting ear 150 is molded to include a substantially hollow light module 166 with a perimeter acceptance slot 170 adapted to receive and retain a light engine (not shown).
  • the interior of the light module 166 may be molded to include substantially identical internal features as previously described. However, due to the integral molding, the extended nipple feature and anti-rotation rib features are no longer needed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'éclairage, dans lequel une source de lumière est en communication fonctionnelle avec un élément de dispersion de lumière à l'état solide solidaire d'un manche ou d'un autre composant mobile éclairé. Pendant le fonctionnement, l'élément de dispersion de lumière est éclairé, par l'intermédiaire d'une projection fonctionnelle localisée d'un faisceau de lumière, de la source de lumière à l'élément de dispersion. L'élément de dispersion accepte le faisceau de lumière localisé et diffuse la lumière le long d'une surface exposée étendue qui peut être éloignée de la source de lumière.
PCT/US2013/063782 2012-10-23 2013-10-08 Système d'éclairage intérieur WO2014066029A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261717382P 2012-10-23 2012-10-23
US61/717,382 2012-10-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014066029A1 true WO2014066029A1 (fr) 2014-05-01

Family

ID=49385423

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/063782 WO2014066029A1 (fr) 2012-10-23 2013-10-08 Système d'éclairage intérieur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014066029A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020116791A1 (en) * 2001-02-26 2002-08-29 Grady John E. Illuminated grab handle assembly
US20040109324A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-06-10 Tiesler John M. Assist handle with integrated light unit
US7103939B2 (en) 2003-11-03 2006-09-12 Illinois Tool Works Inc Pin-less damper assembly for an assist grip handle
US7617571B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2009-11-17 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pin-less assist grip handle assembly

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020116791A1 (en) * 2001-02-26 2002-08-29 Grady John E. Illuminated grab handle assembly
US20040109324A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-06-10 Tiesler John M. Assist handle with integrated light unit
US7103939B2 (en) 2003-11-03 2006-09-12 Illinois Tool Works Inc Pin-less damper assembly for an assist grip handle
US7617571B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2009-11-17 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pin-less assist grip handle assembly

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8690402B2 (en) Illuminated grab handle with dual illumination modes
US8007148B2 (en) Vehicular illumination device
US20120175204A1 (en) Damper
US7967486B2 (en) Ambient mood light in a sunroof opening trim ring
WO2016063797A1 (fr) Structure d'éclairage intérieur de véhicule
EP1284217A2 (fr) Crochet à vêtement rétractable non linéairement
US20080068850A1 (en) Sliding vanity door with integral lens
EP3475122B1 (fr) Pièce de garniture comprenant un élément décoratif comprenant une partie d'éclairage
CA2511073A1 (fr) Systeme de maintien a eclairage
US20060198123A1 (en) Automotive visor with illuminated mirror assembly
JP6836602B2 (ja) 自動車用照明バイザー・ミラー
US20060198155A1 (en) Panel mounted task light for a vehicle
US20090001789A1 (en) Panel assembly for a passenger compartment of a vehicle
US7290905B2 (en) Trim panel assembly having a pivotal light mechanism
CN108535810A (zh) 用于光导的套圈、具有套圈的组件及其制造方法
WO2014066029A1 (fr) Système d'éclairage intérieur
US7195380B2 (en) Interior illumination lamp
KR20120011927A (ko) 간접 조명 어시스트 핸들
US5319530A (en) Hood for a unidirectional lamp
CN208365304U (zh) 可转动的顶灯结构及具有该顶灯结构的汽车
KR101575985B1 (ko) 자동차용 볼조인트 소켓
KR101974893B1 (ko) 조명된 전면을 포함하는 차량용 보관 장치
KR101647914B1 (ko) 차량의 실내 조명을 제공하기 위한 장치 및 상기 장치의 제조 방법
JP2009280087A (ja) 車両用照明装置及び車両用シート
CN108473091A (zh) 拨动开关锁和用于fdm的衬垫拨动开关

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13779495

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13779495

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1